Efficacy and Safety of Donidalorsen for Hereditary Angioedema.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema is a rare disorder characterized by episodic, potentially life-threatening swelling caused by kallikrein-kinin dysregulation. Long-term prophylaxis can stabilize this system. Donidalorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, specifically reduces prekallikrein expression. METHODS: In this phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with hereditary angioedema to receive donidalorsen (80 mg subcutaneously) or placebo once every 4 or 8 weeks. The primary end point was the time-normalized number of investigator-confirmed hereditary angioedema attacks per 4 weeks (attack rate) from week 1 to week 25. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients received donidalorsen every 4 weeks (45 patients), donidalorsen every 8 weeks (23 patients), or placebo (22 patients). The least-squares mean time-normalized attack rate was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.73) in the 4-week group, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.59) in the 8-week group, and 2.26 (95% CI, 1.66 to 3.09) in the placebo group. The mean attack rate from week 1 to week 25 was 81% lower (95% CI, 65 to 89) in the 4-week group than in the placebo group (P<0.001) and 55% lower (95% CI, 22 to 74) in the 8-week group than in the placebo group (P = 0.004); the median reduction in the attack rate from baseline was 90% in the 4-week group, 83% in the 8-week group, and 16% in the placebo group. The mean attack rate during weeks 5 to 25 was 87% lower (95% CI, 72 to 94) in the 4-week group than in the placebo group (P<0.001) and 60% lower (95% CI, 25 to 79) in the 8-week group than in the placebo group. Donidalorsen administered every 4 weeks resulted in an improvement in the least-squares mean total score for the change at week 25 on the Angioedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (scores range from 0 to 100, with a score of 100 indicating the worst possible quality of life) that was 18.6 points (95% CI, 9.5 to 27.7) better than that with placebo (P<0.001). The most common adverse events were erythema at the injection site, headache, and nasopharyngitis; 98% of adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: Donidalorsen treatment reduced the hereditary angioedema attack rate, a finding that supports potential prophylactic use for hereditary angioedema. (Funded by Ionis Pharmaceuticals; OASIS-HAE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05139810.).

Comparison of the Efficacy of Omalizumab and Mepolizumab in Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) is heterogeneous in both phenotypes and endotypes. Due to insufficient head-to-head comparison studies, it is hard to decide which biological to initiate. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of omalizumab and mepolizumab which can be used in the treatment of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma diagnosed with N-ERD. METHODS: The population of this observational, cross-sectional study comprised of N-ERD patients who received omalizumab or mepolizumab for at least 6 months for severe asthma. Outcomes included the asthma control test (ACT), and sino-nasal outcome test scores (SNOT-22), blood eosinophil counts at initiation of biological treatment (T0, baseline) and at the end of 6th months (T6). Adverse effects related to biological treatment and changes of oral corticosteroids dose was recorded. RESULTS: The study included a total of 22 patients, of whom 11 received mepolizumab and 11 received omalizumab. The change in ACT, SNOT-22, eosinophil counts, and adverse effects related to biologicals were similar at T6 (p = 0.606, p = 0.168, p = 0.05, p = 0.053, respectively). However, when examining the SNOT-22 and ACT based on the cumulative distribution curve (SUCRA), mepolizumab (SUCRA value: 0.61, 0.72, respectively) demonstrated greater efficacy compared to omalizumab (SUCRA value: 0.19, 0.35, respectively). The oral corticosteroids discontinuation rate was similar between the two groups (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found both omalizumab and mepolizumab to be effective in treatment; however, we determined that mepolizumab may have a potential superiority in efficacy.

Inhaler Steroid Use Changes Oral and Airway Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome Profile in Asthma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The full spectrum of bacterial and fungal species in adult asthma and the effect of inhaled corticosteroid use is not well described. The aim was to collect mouthwash and induced sputum samples from newly diagnosed asthma patients in the pretreatment period and in chronic asthma patients while undergoing regular maintenance inhaled corticosteroid therapy, in order to demonstrate the bacterial and fungal microbiome profile. METHODS: The study included 28 asthmatic patients on inhaler steroid therapy, 25 steroid-naive asthmatics, and 24 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from induced sputum and mouthwash samples. Analyses were performed using bacterial primers selected from the 16S rRNA region for the bacterial genome and "panfungal" primers selected from the 5.8S rRNA region for the fungal genome. RESULTS: Dominant genera in mouthwash samples of steroid-naive asthmatics were Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Rothia. The oral microbiota of asthmatic patients on inhaler steroid treatment included Neisseria, Rothia, and Veillonella species. Abundant genera in induced sputum samples of steroid-naive asthma patients were Actinomyces, Granulicatella, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Atopobium. Sputum microbiota of asthma patients taking inhaler steroids were dominated by Prevotella and Porphyromonas. Mucor plumbeus and Malassezia restricta species were abundant in the airways of steroid-naive asthma patients. Choanephora infundibulifera and Malassezia restricta became dominant in asthma patients taking inhaled steroids. CONCLUSION: The oral and airway microbiota consist of different bacterial and fungal communities in healthy and asthmatic patients. Inhaler steroid use may influence the composition of the oral and airway microbiota.

Dual biologics therapy in a patient with severe asthma and chronic urticaria: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The data on the use of dual biologics are scant, but a topic of current interest. CASE STUDY: In this report, the treatment regimen of a patient with two T helper 2 pathway-related comorbidities, severe asthma, and chronic spontaneous urticaria, was presented. RESULTS: Both urticaria and asthma symptoms of the patient could not be controlled entirely with monotherapy while both diseases could be controlled after omalizumab-mepolizumab dual treatment. No adverse events were observed after 6 months of dual biologics use. CONCLUSION: This report supports other publications in the literature involving the use of dual biologics and provides a summary of the literature.

Successful desensitization in a patient with recurrent anaplastic oligodendroglioma presenting with procarbazine-mediated anaphylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Procarbazine is an oral chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of brain malignancies and is associated with hypersensitivity reactions. In case of grade 4 reactions, rechallenge should be avoided, and the agent should be replaced, unless the treatment is curative, in which case the application of a desensitization protocol should be considered. We present a successful case of desensitization in procarbazine anaphylaxis. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old male patient was diagnosed with recurrent anaplastic oligodendroglioblastoma. The patient received three cycles of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy for malignancy recurrence. In the fourth cycle, on the 12th day of procarbazine treatment, the patient developed anaphylaxis. Procarbazine was given together with premedication as part of the 12-step desensitization process, and the fourth cycle was successfully completed. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: Procarbazine hypersensitivity reactions are observed less frequently than reactions to other chemotherapeutics. We presented a case of procarbazine-associated severe anaphylaxis that was able to continue procarbazine chemotherapy with successful desensitization. This case is important in terms of confirming the procarbazine desensitization protocol. DISCUSSION: In literature there is only one protocol developed was successfully applied in one patient with procarbazine anaphylaxis. In the current case, we took this protocol into consideration in the management of our patient. Following the use of this protocol, the patient was able to continue procarbazine chemotherapy successfully. Procarbazine anaphylaxis is rare, and more cases are needed to be reported to confirm the desensitization protocol and when to continue procarbazine treatment.

Elderly and aged asthma have different characteristics: results of a multicenter study.

Background/aim: Characteristics of asthma in the elderly population is not well-known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate asthma in the elderly population, to compare disease characteristics between patients diagnosed <60 (aged asthma) and ≥60 (elderly asthma) years of age. Materials and methods: The study was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional type. A questionnaire was filled out to patients 60 years of age and over, that have been followed for asthma for at least 3 months. Asthma Control Test (ACT), eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was filled out, inhaler device technique was assessed. Results: A total of 399 patients were included from 17 tertiary care centers across the country. Mean age was 67.11 years and 331 (83%) were female. The age at asthma diagnosis was ≥60 in 146 (36.6%) patients. Patients diagnosed ≥60 years were older (p < 0.001), had higher education level (p < 0.001), more commonly had first-degree relative with asthma (p = 0.038), asthma related comorbidities (p = 0.009) and accompanying rhinitis/rhinosinusitis (p = 0.005), had better asthma control (p = 0.001), were using less controller medications (p = 0.014). Inhaler technique was correct in 37% of the patients with no difference in between the groups. Treatment compliance was better in elderly asthma patients (p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, having well-controlled asthma (odds ratio = 1.61, CI = 1.04-2.51), and high medication adherence rate (odds ratio = 2.43, CI = 1.48-4.0) were associated with being in the elderly asthma group. Conclusion: The characteristics of asthma are different among patients aged 60 years and over which seems to be related to onset age of asthma. In our cohort, the elderly asthma patients had higher education level, and treatment adherence and asthma control was better. Patients diagnosed ≥60 years of age did not have more severe disease.

Thermo-SPT: A new skin prick test evaluation framework based on low-cost, portable smartphone thermography.

BACKGROUND: Although the skin prick test (SPT) is a reliable procedure to confirm IgE-dependent allergic sensitization in patients, the interpretation of the test is still performed manually, resulting in an error-prone procedure for the diagnosis of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To design and implement an innovative SPT evaluation framework using a low-cost, portable smartphone thermography, named Thermo-SPT, to significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of SPT outcomes. METHODS: Thermographical images were captured every 60 s for a duration of 0 to 15 min using the FLIR One app, and then analysed with the FLIR Tool® . The definition of 'Skin Sensitization Region' area was introduced to analyse the time-lapse thermal changes in skin reactions over several time periods during the SPT. The Allergic Sensitization Index (ASI) and Min-Max Scaler Index (MMS) formulae were also developed to optimize the identification of the peak allergic response time point through the thermal assessment (TA) of allergic rhinitis patients. RESULTS: In these experimental trials, a statistically significant increase in temperature was detected from the fifth minute of TA for all tested aeroallergens (all p values < .001 ). An increase was observed in the number of false-positive cases, where patients with clinical symptoms not consistent with SPT were evaluated as positive on TA assessment, specifically for patients diagnosed with Phleum pratense and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Our proposed technique, the MMS, has demonstrated improved accuracy in identifying P. pratense and D. pteronyssinus compared with other SPT evaluation metrics, specifically starting from the fifth minute. For patients diagnosed with Cat epithelium, although not statistically significant initially, an increasing trend was determined in the results at the 15 min (ΔT (T15 - T0 ), p = .07 ; ASIT15 , p < .001 ). CONCLUSIONS: This proposed SPT evaluation framework utilizing a low-cost, smartphone-based thermographical imaging technique can enhance the interpretability of allergic responses during the SPT, potentially reducing the need for extensive manual interpretation experience as standard SPTs.

How do we manage asthma? Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns among pulmonologists and allergists.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns between pulmonologists and allergists for adult asthma in Turkey.Methods: Questionnaire-based data were gathered from 236 pulmonologists and 62 allergists, who had been members of the Turkish Thoracic Society and Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in January-March 2021. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine the factors associated with primary reliever preferences.Results: Of the 298 physicians, 39% encountered at least five asthma patients daily. Spirometer was used frequently by both the allergists (82.3%) and pulmonologists (77.5%) for asthma diagnosis. Budesonide was the most preferred inhaler corticosteroid. Formoterol/budesonide was the most preferred ICS/LABA combination, followed by beclomethasone/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol for asthma treatment. For mild asthmatics, formoterol/ICS was the most preferred (72.6%) reliever among allergists, whereas salbutamol was the most preferred (66.1%) among pulmonologists (p < 0.001). Age and workplace were associated with salbutamol preference of doctors for mild asthmatics. Age, specialty, and patient examination time were significantly associated with salbutamol preference for severe asthmatics.Conclusions: The use of diagnostic tools, such as a spirometer, for asthma diagnosis was compatible with the guidelines. While recent updates of the guidelines indicate that salbutamol should not be used solely in mild asthmatics due to its harmful effects in long-term use, it still was the most preferred drug by pulmonologists. Postgraduate education programs are needed to improve compliance with the guidelines.

Sinonasal and respiratory outcomes of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients receiving 100 mg mepolizumab in real-life clinical practice: 1-year follow up study.

Background: Mepolizumab 300 mg is an approved treatment option for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), yet, the adequacy of 100 mg of mepolizumab in disease control is controversial.Objective: To evaluate the sinonasal and respiratory outcomes of EGPA patients treated with 100 mg mepolizumab for one year.Methods: Evaluations of 11 patients were made of the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) (nasal, otologic, sleep, and emotional domains), asthma control test (ACT), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), blood eosinophil counts and oral steroid doses before mepolizumab treatment (T0) and at the 6th (T6) and 12th (T12) months.Results: A significant decrease was observed in the total SNOT-22 scores in the 6th month, after which the scores continued to be stable until the 12th month. (SNOT-22 median (IQR); T0: 70(53-82); T6: 19(4-35); T12: 11(6-40); T0-T6, p = 0.02; T6-T12, p = 0.85). In the subdomains of SNOT-22, nasal and sleep-related domains improved significantly in the first 6 months, and the otologic and emotional domains only improved from baseline in the 12th month. There was a significant decrease in blood eosinophil counts in the 6th month and oral steroid dose in the 12th month (eosinophils, median(IQR), T0: 1000(700-1800), T6: 100(0-200), p = 0.02; OCS dose, median(IQR), T0: 16(8-16); T6: 4(0-4); T12: 0(0-4); T0-T12, p = 0.002). A significant improvement was observed in ACT values in the 6th month (ACT median (IQR); T0:16(8-18); T6: 22(21-25); p = 0.01).Conclusion: Mepolizumab 100 mg provided a significant decrease in SNOT-22 values, especially in nasal and sleep domains, eosinophil counts and OCS dose in the 6th month.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes of patients with NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease receiving aspirin or biologicals.

OBJECTIVE: NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is characterized by exacerbation of respiratory symptoms after NSAID intake. While research for specific treatment options continues in patients who cannot tolerate or are unresponsive to aspirin treatment after aspirin desensitization (ATAD), biologicals have emerged as a new therapeutic option in NERD patients. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life, and the sinonasal and respiratory outcomes of NERD patients treated with ATAD or biologicals. METHODS: Patients who have been followed up at a tertiary care allergy center and who have been receiving at least one of ATAD, mepolizumab or omalizumab for at least six months were included. Evaluations were made using sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22), asthma control test (ACT), short form-36 (SF-36), blood eosinophil counts, need for recurrent functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS), and asthma or rhinitis exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids (OCS). RESULTS: A total of 59 patients comprised of 35 (59%) females and 24 (41%) males with a mean age of 46.1 (min-max, 20-70) years were included. The baseline blood eosinophil count was higher, and a significant decrease in blood eosinophil counts was observed in the mepolizumab group compared to ATAD group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). At follow-up, the rate of recurrent FESS was lower in the group that received mepolizumab (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In NERD patients, mepolizumab significantly decreased blood eosinophil counts and recurrent FESS. There was no significant difference between the patients receiving ATAD or mepolizumab regarding other clinical parameters.

Picturing asthma in Turkey: results from the Turkish adult asthma registry.

INTRODUCTION: National data on asthma characteristics and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma seem to be necessary for every country. For this purpose, we developed the Turkish Adult Asthma Registry for patients with asthma aiming to take a snapshot of our patients, thereby assigning the unmet needs and niche areas of intervention. METHODS: Case entries were performed between March 2018 and March 2022. A web-based application was used to record data. Study outcomes were demographic features, disease characteristics, asthma control levels, and phenotypes. RESULTS: The registry included 2053 patients from 36 study centers in Turkey. Female subjects dominated the group (n = 1535, 74.8%). The majority of the patients had allergic (n = 1158, 65.3%) and eosinophilic (n = 1174, 57.2%) asthma. Six hundred nineteen (32.2%) of the patients had obese asthma. Severe asthma existed in 670 (32.6%) patients. Majority of cases were on step 3-5 treatment (n: 1525; 88.1%). Uncontrolled asthma was associated with low educational level, severe asthma attacks in the last year, low FEV1, existence of chronic rhinosinusitis and living in particular regions. CONCLUSION: The picture of this registry showed a dominancy of middle-aged obese women with moderate-to-severe asthma. We also determined particular strategic targets such as low educational level, severe asthma attacks, low FEV1, and chronic rhinosinusitis to decrease uncontrolled asthma in our country. Moreover, some regional strategies may also be needed as uncontrolled asthma is higher in certain regions. We believe that these data will guide authorities to reestablish national asthma programs to improve asthma service delivery.

Evaluation of disease control after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination in patients with NSAID-exacerbated airway disease.

Background: There are insufficient data on changes in disease control after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or vaccination in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with N-ERD, determine whether they experienced exacerbations of asthma or rhinitis after COVID-19, and evaluate their postvaccination asthma and rhinitis control data. Methods: The demographic characteristics of patients with N-ERD and whether they had had symptoms of asthma, changes in nasal symptom scores Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22), Asthma Control Test (ACT) within 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection were recorded. The prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with N-ERD and in healthy controls was estimated. Results: A total of 103 patients with N-ERD and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Thirty seven of the patients (35.9%) and 65 of the controls (65%) had a history of COVID-19. There were no significant differences in changes in the ACT and SNOT-22 scores after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (p = 0.999). Although, the change in ACT score after infection was significant (p = 0.017; r = 0.39), there was no significant change in level of asthma control (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The history of COVID-19 was less frequent in the N-ERD group. There was no deterioration in asthma and rhinitis controls after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Although a significant decrease was observed in the ACT scores after COVID-19, there was no deterioration in the level of asthma control.

Comparison of 300 mg versus 600 mg daily maintenance doses of aspirin treatment after desensitization in N-ERD: A three-year multicentre experience.

Background: Aspirin treatment after desensitization (ATAD) is effective in preventing nasal polyps recurrence as well as respiratory symptoms in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory diseases (N-ERD). However, there is no consensus on effective daily maintenance doses in ATAD. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of two different maintenance doses of aspirin on clinical outcomes for 1-3 years of ATAD. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study that involved four tertiary centers. The maintenance doses of daily aspirin were 300 mg in one center and 600 mg in the remaining three. The data of patients who were on ATAD for 1-3 years were included. Study outcomes (nasal surgeries, sinusitis, asthma attacks, hospitalization, oral corticosteroid use, and medication uses) were assessed in a standardized way and recorded from case files. Results: The study initially included 125 subjects, 38 and 87 were receiving 300 and 600 mg daily aspirin for ATAD, respectively. Number of nasal polyp surgeries decreased after 1 -3 years compared with before ATAD in both groups (group 1, baseline: 0.44 ± 0.07 versus first year: 0.08 ± 0.05; p < 0.001 and baseline: 0.44 ± 0.07 versus 3rd year: 0.01 ± 0.01; p < 0.001; and group 2, baseline 0.42 ± 0.03 versus first year: 0.02 ± 0.02; p < 0.001 and baseline: 0.42 ± 0.03 versus 3rd year: 0.07 ± 0.03; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Given the comparable effects of 300 mg and 600 mg aspirin daily as maintenance treatment of ATAD on both asthma and sinonasal outcomes in N-ERD, our results suggest using 300 mg of aspirin daily in ATAD owing to its better safety profile.

Hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in adults: Beyond current classification.

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a significant clinical issue. Several classifications have been proposed to categorize these reactions, including the current European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/European Network for Drug Allergy (EAACI/ENDA) classification. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of this classification in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: We conducted a national multicenter study involving patients from nine hospitals in four major urban centers in Turkey. All patients had a suggestive clinical history of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs. Researchers collected data using a structured form and classified reactions based on the EAACI/ENDA classification. Oral provocation tests with several NSAIDs were performed using a single-blind challenge per EAACI/ENDA guidelines. RESULTS: Our retrospective study included 966 adult patients with a history of hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. The most common triggers were Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), paracetamol, and metamizole. The most prevalent acute NSAID hypersensitivity group was NSAID-induced urticaria/angioedema (NIUA) (34.3%). However, 17.3% of patients did not fit neatly into the current EAACI/ENDA classification. Notably, patients with underlying asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis exhibited unusual reactions, such as urticaria and/or angioedema induced by multiple chemical groups of NSAIDs, blended mixed reactions, and isolated periorbital angioedema in response to multiple chemical groups of NSAIDs. CONCLUSIONS: While the EAACI/ENDA classification system stratifies NSAID-induced hypersensitivity reactions into five distinct endotypes or phenotypes, it may not fully capture the diversity of these reactions. Our findings suggest a need for further research to refine this classification system and better accommodate patients with atypical presentations.

The course of COVID-19 in patients with severe asthma receiving biological treatment.

OBJECTIVE: In order to decrease the use of systemic corticosteroids and prevent asthma exacerbations, EAACI and GINA made recommendations in favor of severe asthma patients continuing the use of biologicals during the pandemic. However, the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains uncertain, especially in patients taking biological therapy for severe asthma. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical course of COVID-19 in severe asthmatic patients receiving biological treatment. METHODS: A total of 75 patients under the care of a tertiary level allergy clinic and receiving omalizumab or mepolizumab, which are the approved biologicals for severe asthma in Turkey, were included in the survey between April 1 and December 31, 2020. A questionnaire was administered via a telephone call by one of the treating physicians. RESULTS: Of the total patients, 46 (61%) were receiving mepolizumab and 29 (39%) omalizumab. Of the patients, 14 (19%) had COVID-19, 9 (64%) had pneumonia, 4 (29%) were hospitalized. A total of 12 (16%) patients interrupted biological treatments because they did not want to attend hospital for injections during the pandemic. The incidence of COVID-19 was higher in patients who have interrupted biological treatment (p < 0.001). In addition, the risk of having COVID-19 was higher in the ones who have interrupted their biological treatment (Relative risk:2.71; 95% Confidence interval:1.21-6.06). Asthma control was better in patients attending regular injections (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Severe asthma itself seems to be a risk factor for COVID-19, whether biological treatment has a role in the disease course needs further research.

Validity and reliability of 6-minute pegboard and ring test in patients with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) is a test of upper-extremity functional capacity designed for and validated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 6PBRT in asthma patients. METHODS: Thirty-four adults (30 women, 4 men) with well-controlled asthma were included. Unsupported upper-extremity exercise capacity was assessed using 6PBRT, maximal arm exercise capacity using an arm ergometer, handgrip strength using a hand dynamometer, activities of daily living with the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale (LCADL), Milliken ADL scale (MAS) and health-related quality of life using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). RESULTS: The 6PBRT showed moderate to excellent test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value of 0.872 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.702-0.941]. The 6PBRT was reproducible according to Bland-Altman analysis, with upper and lower limits of agreement of 53.51 and -25.08 rings moved, respectively. The 6PBRT score was significantly correlated with maximum workload (r = 0.514, p = 0.002) achieved in the arm ergometer test, change in dyspnea during 6PBRT (r = -0.402, p = 0.020), LCADL-self-care (r = -0.364, p = 0.037), MAS total (r = 0.483, p = 0.005), AQLQ-symptom domain (r = 0.420, p = 0.026) and HAQ-DI total scores (r = -0.390, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The 6PBRT can be used as a valid and reliable test to evaluate functional arm exercise capacity in patients with well-controlled asthma.

Impact of socioeconomic factors and house cleaning on asthma control in women.

Background: It is known that socioeconomic factors affect various chronic diseases and also might affect asthma control. Exposure to house-cleaning products has been shown to impact both the onset and control of asthma. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of socioeconomic factors and house cleaning on asthma control of women with asthma. Methods: Adult women with asthma (N = 204) with informed consent were included in this single-center, cross-sectional observational study. A questionnaire, including items related to demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic features of the patients, was administered with a face-to-face interview by an investigator. A test to assess the level of asthma control was used to classify the patients as uncontrolled, partially controlled, and fully controlled. Wealth perception was measured with a visual analog scale. Investigated socioeconomic features were household size, monthly household income, education status, working status, occupation, and education status of the mothers of the patients. Results: Of the 204 adult female patients, 68.6% had uncontrolled, 14.7% had partially controlled, and 16.7% had fully controlled asthma. Partially or fully controlled asthma was higher (odds ratio [OR] 2.6 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.22]) in the highest income quantile compared with the lowest income quantile. Asthma was better controlled in women with a visual analog scale score of wealth perception ≥ 7 (OR 1.93 [95% CI, 1.04-3.59]) and, in those who cleaned their houses, one to two times per week compared with zero times per week (OR 2.94 [95% CI, 1.19-7.26]). Conclusion: Having a higher household income was the only socioeconomic factor associated with better asthma control. After adjusting for age, duration of asthma, and comorbidities, better asthma control was significantly associated with cleaning the house one to two times a week.

The association of timothy grass allergy and cat ownership on cat sensitization.

Background: Pollen hypersensitivity might be a determining factor for other nonseasonal allergens because it may indicate deviation of the immune system toward T-helper type 2 activity and immunoglobulin E sensitivity. Objective: To investigate whether timothy grass pollen allergy may be a predictive factor for cat sensitization and whether there is an association between sensitivity to both allergens. Method: A retrospective review was made of patients with symptoms of rhinitis. The skin-prick test results and cat ownership status of the patients were analyzed. On the basis of the skin-prick test results with Phleum pratense (timothy grass) and other pollens, the patients were analyzed in two groups: "timothy allergic" and "non-timothy allergic." Results: A total of 383 patients with the diagnosis of rhinitis were included in the study, which comprised 213 (55.6%) in the timothy allergic group and 170 (44.4%) in the non-timothy allergic group. The frequency of cat sensitization was significantly higher in the patients in the timothy allergic group compared with those without timothy grass allergy (33.8% versus 12.3%; p < 0.001). No significant difference was determined between the two groups in terms of cat ownership (p = 0.63). In the logistic regression analysis, cat ownership (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 23.07 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 7.72-68.91]) and timothy allergy (adjusted OR 7.72 [95% CI, 3.16-18.86]) were associated with an increased risk of cat sensitization. Conclusion: Timothy grass allergy may play a role in the development of cat sensitization; however, further research is needed to clarify these associations and the underlying mechanisms.

A new classification option for NSAID hypersensitivity: Kalyoncu classification.

BACKGROUND: The European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) proposed a consensus document for hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 2011. A subgroup of patients with NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) develop urticaria/angioedema type reactions in response to NSAIDs. The Kalyoncu classification might be a novel option to classify patients with NSAID hypersensitivity (NH). In this study, we compare the ENDA and the Kalyoncu classifications. METHODS: This study enrolled a total of 196 patients. NH reaction types were categorized as asthma, rhinitis, urticaria/angioedema and anaphylaxis. Based on the reaction history and oral provocation test findings, patients were grouped according to ENDA and Kalyoncu classifications. RESULTS: The mean age of the 196 patients was 40.32±13.28 years, and 130 (66.3%) of them were female. Under the ENDA and Kalyoncu classifications, the most common NH subgroups were NERD (32%), and isolated NH (34.2%), the least prevalent NH subgroups were single NSAID-induced delayed reactions (SNIDR) (1.5%), and pseudo Samter's syndrome (11.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed that the Kalyoncu classification is more descriptive of patients with NERD exhibiting urticaria/angioedema-type reactions. It also provides future risk assessment for development of NERD. For controversial cases, the Kalyoncu classification can be utilized as a new complimentary option alone or in conjunction with ENDA classification.

Short- and long-term oral steroid therapy in patients with asthma exacerbation.

Steroids are frequently used for symptom control in cases of asthma exacerbation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of short-term and long-term oral steroid therapy on symptom control in patients with asthma exacerbation. Patients that received short-term (<10 d) and long-term (≥10 d) oral steroid therapy during asthma exacerbation were compared retrospectively. A visual analog scale (VAS) for symptom severity was administered, and the asthma control test (ACT) and pulmonary function tests were performed before and after treatment. The study included 69 patients and the overall mean duration of steroid treatment was 9.57±3.58 d (range: 5-25 d). Mean duration of short-term and long-term steroid treatment was 6.54±0.99 d and 11.63±3.21 d, respectively. Serious side-effects were not observed following oral steroid therapy. Post the short- and long-term oral steroid therapy there were not any significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of ACT, FEV1 (forced expiratory volume 1), or VAS symptom scores. The findings show that in patients with mild asthma exacerbation short-term oral steroid therapy is as effective as long-term steroid therapy and can be safely used for symptom control during periods of mild asthma exacerbation.